Post operative Care Procedure

Purpose
• To prevent any complication from anesthesia
• To detect any sign of post- operative complications
• To rehabilitate the patient.

Equipment
• Anesthetic bed
• Oxygen
• Sphygmomanometer
• Stetoscope
• Suction machine (as needed)
• Extra rubber sheet (as needed)
• I.V stand
• Emergency drugs (to be ready in wards)
• Bed blocks (as needed) for shock

Procedure
• Prepare anesthetic bed (see section on bed making)
• Assist operating room nurse in placing patient in bed. An unconscious patient may be placed on either his right or left side unless specified
• Check post- operative orders and adjust flow of drip of IV fluid.
• Take blood pressure, pulse and respiration as ordered (usually every 15 minutes until stable)
• Encourage patient cough and breathe deeply every 15 minutes for two hours, and then every two hours until able to be up, unless other orders are written.
• Check dressing for any excessive bleeding or drainage.
• Check for tubes to be connected to drainage bottle- no kinks in tubing. Secure tubing with bedding.
• If patient vomits, turn his head to the side to prevent aspiration and chocking.
• Observe patient closely for any signs of shock and hemorrhage.
• Report any untoward symptom immediately.

Charting
• Time of return
• General condition and appearance
♦ State of consciousness
♦ Color of skin
♦ Temperature of skin to touch
♦ Skin- moist or dry
♦ Blood pressure, plus and respiration
♦ Any unusual condition such as bleeding drainage, Vomiting etc.

Generals Instructions
• If patient shows any signs of shock immediate action should be taken and then be reported to the doctor. The head of the bed should be lowered (If no gatches on bed, bed blocks may be used)
• Do not leave unconscious patient alone.
• Keep patient flat in bed with the head to the side (no pillows) and avoid chilling.
• Watch color of skin, lips, and fingernails carefully
• If there is any bleeding carry out the necessary measures and report immediately.
• The patient is having pain after he is awake. Analgesics may be given according to orders.
• Limit visitors in the patient’s room
• Carry out post-operative orders carefully
• Place patient in a comfortable position